Quality Improvement Zone

Consistent interpretation of data is essential for effective improvement. To support a shared approach across Scotland, colleagues from health, social care and education have developed a consensus position on the use of run charts and XmR charts in improvement work. The consensus has been developed through collaboration with colleagues involved in teaching, coaching, applying and supporting quality improvement across Scotland.

The purpose of this document is to create greater consistency in how run charts and XmR charts are taught, interpreted and used within improvement work. It is intended for improvement work where data supports learning and decision-making. Attached below is a document that provides the full consensus position and supporting rationale. 

The consensus covers:

• establishing and extending baselines;
• identifying patterns and signals in run charts and XmR charts;
• responding to variation within baseline data;
• considering when to rephase a chart; and
• choosing between a run chart and an XmR chart.

Importantly, chart signals should prompt discussion about what is happening within the system. Context, subject-matter knowledge and professional judgement remain essential when deciding what the data mean and what action to take. 

The guidance is based on a simple but important principle: data should support learning and informed decision-making.

Rather than treating signals within charts as automatic triggers for action, the consensus encourages teams to explore what may be happening within the system, consider local context and use professional judgement alongside the data. This approach supports a deeper understanding of improvement and helps teams make more informed decisions about changes to services and systems.

The resource is relevant to anyone involved in improvement work, including educators, improvement advisers, analysts, leaders and frontline teams.

Download the full consensus on the use of time-series charts for improvement below.

We appreciate that this new position may raise questions around the rationale for the changes, or how to support teams to use the new consensus approach. If you have any questions, please use the MS Form link HERE to share your queries so we can respond appropriately.